Kumbia Kindy women host International Women's Day Luncheon

'We had women from all over the South Burnett here to hear from the diverse range of guest speakers we had'.

HOSTS: Jess Simpkins and Jodie Black, from Kumbia Kindy, hosted this year's South Burnett International Women's Day Luncheon at the Kingaroy Town Hall. Picture: Madeline Grace

THIS year's International Women's Day Luncheon was hosted by the hard-working women from the Kumbia Kindergarten.

Jess Simpkins and Jodie Black were in charge of organising the annual event.

Ms Black said they started planning as far back as September last year.

"We are part of a staff and committee that is solely made up of women. So hosting an International Women's Day Luncheon just seemed like the logical thing for us to do,” she said.

"Judy Crawford from J.C Catering actually approached us and that set all of the wheels in motion.

"We were just like yes. We really do need to this for the South Burnett.”

More than 100 women from the South Burnett supported this cause by showing up at the Kingaroy Town Hall for the luncheon.

Ms Black said she was impressed with the diverse range of women in attendance.

"We had women from all over the South Burnett here to hear from the diverse range of guest speakers we had,” she said.

"I think everyone was able to resonate with at least one of the speakers and their stories. And to feel empowered and inspired by today. Which is all we could have hoped for.”

International Women's Day is an important day in history for Ms Black.

"To me, it's an opportunity to showcase how far women have come since the day first started over 100 years ago,” she said.

"As I mentioned in my opening address, the first international women's day was about women being unable to vote.

"Now it's come so far. Women basically can do anything they want.”

Ms Black said she was grateful for what women in the past had done and hopes to continue in their footsteps.

"I know there's still a fair way to go. Which is why I'm so thankful for campaigns like this and the Me Too campaign. I think it's so important that we work towards closing the gender pay gap that still exists,” she said.

"International Women's Day is now so front and centre. Everyone, everywhere is celebrating it.

"There's no stopping us women now. Here's to not looking back and reaching for our equality goals.”